New procedure for Summary Callovers

Practitioners should note there will be a new procedure in the Brisbane Magistrates Court Summary Callover starting Wednesday 5 November 2025.

This new procedure has been developed in response to feedback from stakeholders and will ensure consistency and maximise efficiency for all parties including the Registry. 

Its purpose is to allow files to be allocated to courts in advance of the callover, so that better use can be made of the available handout courts.

Firms are to submit the attached Summary Callover Legal Representative Form by email to BMC.CriminalListings@justice.qld.gov.au no later than 2pm the day prior to the summary callover.

The email subject line should include: [Summary Callover Submission] – [Date of Callover] – [Law Firm Name].

Courts will be designated as follows and files will be allocated to the appropriate court:

1. Court 19: Matters involving Law Clerks and Video Links (VL).
2. Court 20: Matters involving Senior Legal Practitioners (defined as five-plus years PAE), including barristers and solicitors.
3. Court 21: To be determined morning of by court staff

Allocations will be determined by the court. All matters will be allocated from Court 20, so practitioners will continue to attend and learn of the court allocations in the normal manner. 

For any firms who have not submitted their form, the process will remain as is and they will need to present to Court 20.

The process will be reviewed after the next two summary callovers.